Use of native mosses as biomonitors of heavy metals and nitrogen deposition in the surroundings of two steel works

A biomonitoring survey using the moss species Hypnum cupressiforme Hedw. was conducted in the surroundings of two steel plants located in the North of Spain. Levels of V, Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Cd, Hg, Pb and N were determined. Very high concentrations in the areas of study were detected when compared to nearby unaffected regions. Similar trends were observed for all the elements in the differently orientated transects, showing an appreciable influence of the NW prevailing winds of the region in the dispersion of pollutants, as well as a clear decreasing gradient in the concentrations of metals in mosses within a distance of 1500 meters from the facilities. A differentiation between the elements emitted by the chimney as result of the industrial activity (V, Cr, Ni, Cu and As) and those with a high presence in steel slag deposits (Zn, Cd, Hg and Pb) was observed. The range of contamination was also established by means of the Contamination Factor, indicating a category 4 out of 6 categories, which shows the high levels reported in the areas of study. A different dynamic was registered for nitrogen regarding the rest of the heavy metals analysed except for Hg, probably due to the elevated volatility and mobility of both elements, as well as their high persistence in the atmosphere.     

Biodegradability of Poly (lactic acid), Preparation and Characterization of PLA/Gum Arabic Blends

In this study, the biodegradation of PLA films using microorganisms from Lake Bogoria (Kenya) were investigated. The biodegradation tests done using certain strains of thermophilic bacteria showed faster biodegradation rates and demonstrated temperature dependency. The biodegradation of the PLA films was studied using Gel Permeation Chromatography (GPC) and light microscopy. The biodegradation of PLA was demonstrated by decrease in molecular weight. The preparation and characterization of PLA/Gum Arabic blends were also investigated using DSC, TGA, TMA and NMR. In summary, the results obtained in this research show that PLA films undergo fast biodegradation using thermophiles isolated from Lake Bogoria. The PLA/GA blends studies show it is possible to prepare films of varying hydrophobic–hydrophilic properties for various applications.     

Biosorption of Malachite Green from Aqueous Solutions onto Polylactide/Spent Brewery Grains Films: Kinetic and Equilibrium Studies

Batch experiments were conducted to study the biosorption of Malachite Green (MG) onto polylactide (PLA)/spent brewery grains (SBGs) films. Films were prepared by solvent-casting method using dichloromethane. Effects of contact time, pH, salt concentration, and optimal experimental condition was evaluated. At pH 6.89 and low salt concentration, Malachite Green was removed effectively. The isotherm data fitted the Freundlich model with 0.969 R² value and 0.738 slope implying chemisorptions process. The biosorption process followed pseudo-second order kinetics with calculated adsorption capacity at equilibrium (qe) of 0.572?mg/g at 23?°C. The investigation showed that PLA/SBGs films are effective in dye removal from textile, paper and leather industries effluents.     

The development and application of remote sensing to monitor sand dune habitats

Sand dunes are complex systems that contain several habitats, often as mosaics or transitions between types. Several of these habitats are afforded protection under European Legislation and in the UK nationally within Special Areas of Conservation (SAC) and Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). Natural England has a statutory duty to report to Europe on the conservation status and condition of sand dunes; and is required to report to the UK Government on designated sites. To achieve this we have sought ways of capturing, analysing and interpreting data on the extent and location of sand dune habitats. This requires an ability to be able to obtain data over large areas of coastline in an efficient way. Natural England and Environment Agency Geomatics have worked collaboratively for over 16 years, sharing data and ecological knowledge. In 2012 work started to evaluate the use of remote sensing to map UK BAP and Annex I sand dune habitats. A methodology has now been developed and tested to map sand dune habitats. The key objective was to provide an operational tool that will help to map these habitats and understand change on sites around England. This has been achieved through analysis of LIDAR and Compact Airborne Spectrographic Imager (CASI) data using Object Orientated Image Analysis. Quality Control (QC) and accuracy assessments have shown this approach to be successful and 11 sites have been mapped to date. These techniques are providing a new approach to monitoring change in coastal vegetation communities and informing management of protected sites.     

Heavy metals in sediments from Makupa and Port-Reitz Creek systems: Kenyan Coast

Copper, zinc, lead and cadmium heavy metals were determined in sediments from the Kenyan Coast. Sediment samples were obtained from Makupa and Port Reitz Creek systems. The samples were digested using concentrated hydrochloric acid and the metal content determined using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS). The method of analysis was evaluated using Soil-7 certified reference material (International Atomic Energy Agency, IAEA). For comparison, sediment samples were also analysed using Energy Dispersive X-ray fluorescence technique and results obtained show good agreement. Higher metal concentrations were obtained in Makupa Creek sediments (Cu, 102+/-46.0; Zn, 1017+/-840; Pb, 103+/-35.8; Cd, 51.0+/-14.3) as compared to Port Reitz Creek system (Cu, 21.6+/-7.1; Zn, 57.1+/-17.9; Pb, 26.2+/-11.6; Cd, 1.38+/-0.7). There was significant (p=0.05) variation in the elemental concentrations between and within sites. Industrial activities and a nearby municipal dumpsite were associated with the higher elemental concentrations particularly in Makupa Creek.